Application for Student Scholarship Program

India Association of Minnesota (IAM) invites applications from Minnesota based High School & University students to apply for its Annual Student Scholarship Award. This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate leadership & community involvement within the Asian Indian Community.

ABOUT IAM & THE SCHOLARSHIP:

IAM Mission Statement: “The India Association of Minnesota, a not-for-profit organization, represents people with an interest in the culture and heritage of India to build a sense of cohesiveness within this community, represent the community to the population at large, and serve as the focal point for advancing the educational, cultural, and charitable interests of the community”.

IAM has been in existence since 1973 in the Twin-Cities and is the only organization promoting higher education of Asian Indians by awarding scholarships to qualified students. IAM will award five (5) scholarships of $1,000 value each year to students who must meet the criteria given below. 4 scholarships shall be given to Minnesota high school students attending university for the first time. 1 scholarship shall be given to a university student (undergrad or grad) who has completed at least one year of university education in Minnesota.

APPLICATION DEADLINE & ADDRESS:

  • Application needs to be emailed to efore Aug 6th, 2017
  • Applications can be downloaded from
  • Award Announcement: Sat, Aug 19th, 2017 at the IndiaFest event at St Paul Capitol Grounds.

SELECTION & INTIMATION PROCESS:

  • The applications Review Committee will consist of 5 people out of which at least 2 judges will be IAM board members.
  • Family members of the review committee are excluded from the award process are not entitled to apply.
  • The Review Committee members will review and rate all valid applications and recommend the names of selected scholarship awardees to the IAM President.
  • IAM President will inform the award winners before August 20th.
  • IAM awards the scholarships at its sole discretion and the decision of IAM will be final.
  • Results may also be published on the IAM website ( IAM Facebook page or in any communication from IAM.

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

  • Applicant must be a legal US resident. Students with legal valid visas are eligible.
  • The Applicant does NOT need to be of Indian origin.
  • Applicant must be
  • A first-time degree seeking freshman in the Fall of 2017 at a two or four-year degree program in the United States.
  • A university student in an undergraduate or graduate program attending a university in Minnesota.
  • Applicant must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • Applicant must have completed and submitted the paperwork by the application deadline.
  • Applicant should submit at least 2 letter of recommendation from a person familiar with the applicant’s achievements and who is not related to the applicant, via email. It is preferable that the letters be from people representing two different organizations.

Application Submission Checklist:

  • Completed Application Form.
  • Passport sized photograph picture that may be used on IAM website, emails or Facebook.
  • Biography of accomplishments within 250-300 words.
  • Copy of Official Transcript.
  • Recommendation Letters.
  • Personal Statement / Essay.
  • Hit “Like” on India Association of Minnesota Facebook page to enable social media administration.

If you have QUESTONS please Contact:

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. I am part Indian. Can I apply?

Yes. Even Martians can apply.

  1. My parents or I am/are here on a special Visa (H1, L1, F1 etc). Can I apply?
    Yes. There are no immigration status restrictions on who can apply for this scholarship.
  2. Is there any special consideration for individuals who are physically challenged or disabled?

No.

  1. Are there any limitations on the use of the scholarship funds?

Yes. The scholarship funds are expected to further the higher education of the selected applicant. The funds can be used to cover only the cost of education, which includes – tuition, fees, books, supplies, living expenses and meals.

  1. Is the scholarship check made out to me or to the school?

The check is made out to the student.

  1. I need some clarification about the application form. Who can help me?

Please send all questions to . Someone will contact you.

  1. Is this scholarship taxable?

The scholarship recipient is responsible for taxes, if any, that may be assessed against your scholarship award. Please consult your tax advisor for guidance.

  1. Where do I send the completed application packet?

Completed application should be emailed to . If you haven’t heard back by August 8th on receipt of the application, please call 651-321-3421.

IAM Student Scholarship Application Form

Application Deadline: Aug 6, 2017 / Please email application to:
  1. PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name
Address
City
State
Phone (s)
Email
  1. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

High School / University
GPA (Unweighted)
GPA
SAT Score
ACT Score
  1. SHARE WITH US YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS WITH INDIAN ORGANIZATIONS (Dates, Organizations, Event, & a Brief Description of your involvement. Use extra sheets of paper if necessary)
  1. SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS / HONORS & RECOGNITION (Sports, Clubs, Debates, Academic & Extra-Curricular, with Dates) – Attach extra sheet if needed
  1. RECOMMENDATIONS
  • Ask 2 people who are familiar with and can speak about your accomplishments and community involvement to email a Recommendation Letter in PDF or Word format to . It is preferable that the letters be from people representing two different organizations.
  1. PERSONAL STATEMENT/ESSAY QUESTIONS

Please respond to the following questions. The response should be typed and no longer than 500 words each.

1)Why do you think you should be given this scholarship? Discuss your capability to achieve your professional goals. Discuss your financial need.

2)How can IAM motivate students to participate and engage in activities benefitting the larger Indian community in Minnesota?

3)Give three suggestions of how regional / state / cultural Indian associations and India Association of Minnesota can work together to benefit the Indian community.

  1. TRANSCRIPT

Attach most recent transcript of your academic record.

I certify that the above information is true and complete. I understand giving false or incomplete information makes me ineligible for this award.

Signature: ______Date: ______